Editor's note: The parents of slain University of New Hampshire sophomore Elizabeth Marriott issued the following statement through their attorney on Tuesday, April 23.

Bob and Melissa Marriott have been advised by the New Hampshire Attorney General's office that an indictment has been returned against Seth Mazzaglia for the murder of their daughter Lizzi. The indictment will be made public as of 8:00 a.m. today. It is the Marriott's understanding that the indictment will likely, in short order, trigger the public release of arrest warrants and affidavits generated during the investigation that primarily contain statements made by Mr. Mazzaglia.

. . .

The Marriott family is satisfied with the indictment. The past several months have been very difficult for the Marriott family and the next several days will be very trying. The criminal case is expected to last for quite some time but the Marriott family is resolute in its demand for justice for Lizzi as well as its defense of Lizzi's life and legacy.

The Marriott family is extremely appreciative of the NH Attorney General's office, Dover Police, NH State Police, NH Marine Patrol, NH Fish and Game, FBI and numerous other organizations for the hard work they have put into this investigation. The Marriott family appreciates the ongoing prayers and best wishes for their family as they continue to mourn the loss of Lizzi. Finally, The Marriot family also appreciates the gifts of those who have perpetuated Lizzi's legacy and love for the environment by giving to the Lizzi Marriott Intrepid Explorer Trust Fund.

Arrest Warrants, Affidavits

It is the Marriott's understanding that the arrest warrants and affidavits may contain statements from Mr. Mazzaglia and others that are, in essence, reprehensible, salacious and intentionally designed to suggest that Lizzi's murder was the accidental consequence of a bizarre, abnormal consensual act. The statements are a complete fabrication and are more indicative of Mr. Mazzaglia's twisted sense of reality and responsibility as opposed to Lizzi's character and the life she led for 19 years. In short, the statements of Mr. Mazzaglia are at odds with many of the allegations in the indictment and should be viewed with extreme skepticism.

It is a common criminal defense tactic, as old as Mount Washington itself, to blame the victim. In the instant matter, Mr. Mazzaglia had several days from the time he murdered Lizzi to concoct a new reality tactically designed to assist him in his failed efforts to avoid an indictment for first degree murder. Not content with murdering Lizzi, Mr. Mazzaglia now seeks to assault Lizzi's reputation and legacy in order to possibly spare himself a life sentence. His effort is as predictable as it is reprehensible and should be given no serious consideration. Mr. Mazzaglia fully appreciates that Lizzi is unable to personally defend herself against the hateful fiction he has authored.

Common sense suggests that if one or two individuals accidentally injure another in a consensual act, the uninjured parties will immediately seek to assist the [injured] party or call 911. The fact that the defendants did neither in the instant matter is more indicative of a lack of consent by Lizzi concerning the circumstances of her death.

The conduct of the defendants following Lizzi's death strongly supports the conclusion that Lizzi never agreed to participate in high risk behavior with the defendants. To wit: Lizzi's body would have provided valuable forensic information to law enforcement officials. If Lizzi's death was truly accidental, it defies common sense, and the smallest speck of human decency, that Mr. Mazzaglia would then place her body in the Piscataqua River with the intent that it never be recovered. Mr. Mazzaglia's conduct is far more indicative of a first degree murder and a desire to defy law enforcement the chance to produce evidence that would have further corroborated such a charge.

Lizzi was a proud New Hampshire resident and UNH Wildcat. She was enthused by her college choice and the life of possibility before her. She was secure in her life experience with a loving family and remarkable friendships in Massachusetts and New Hampshire all of which shaped her character and truly defined her. She was an incredibly kind and caring individual. What Mr. Mazzaglia, or any other, may suggest allegedly took place for a few minutes in a Dover apartment completely defies the reality of the 19 years of Lizzi's life as best attested to by her family, friends and community. Going forward, the Marriott family refuses to further dignify Mr. Mazzaglia's fabrication and continued assault on Lizzi's legacy.